Denali State Park

Denali State Park covers 325,240 acres north of Anchorage and south of Denali National Park. It is located between mileposts 131 and 169 of the George Parks Highway, the main road connecting Alaska's two largest cities, Anchorage and Fairbanks. The George Parks Highway runs roughly through the middle of Denali State Park and the park shares its western border with Denali National Park. Denali State Park was created in 1970 and expanded to its current size in 1976.

Denali State Park offers many opportunities for exploring the wilderness. The park operates three campgrounds, four viewpoints and five trailheads. The park also offers three public use cabins available for rent on Byers Lake.

Denali State Park offers incredible views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range. Denali Viewpoint South at mile 135.2 of the Parks Highway offers one of the best roadside views of the impressive 20,320 foot peak of Mt. Denali. This pullout includes interpretive signs naming the visible peaks, ample parking, picnic tables, and restrooms.

The Veterans Memorial, located at milepost 147.2 was erected in 1983 to honor the veterans of Alaska. It includes five 20-foot concrete panels honoring each branch of military service. The memorial is also the site of a staffed visitor contact station for Denali State Park. A large parking area, picnic sites and restrooms are available.

Trailheads for backcountry exploration in Denali State Park include Lower and Upper Troublesome Creek Trailhead, Little Coal Creek Trailhead, and Ermine Hill Trailhead. These trailheads offer access to the Kesugi Ridge, which along with the Curry Ridge dominate the eastern portion of Denali State Park.

A South Denali Visitor Center is planned for Denali State Park and once completed, will offer visitor information, additional hiking opportunities, interpretive and educational information and great views. For more information on the park, visit the Alaska State Parks website for Denali State Park.